Prosecutors may seek death for slaying of medical marijuana distributor gunned down in Long Beach

LONG BEACH — Trial was postponed this week for one of three men charged with the 2011 slaying of a 29-year-old medical marijuana distributor.

Marcel Mackabee is charged with the March 2011 killing of Los Angeles resident Philip Victor Williamson, whose body was found in an alley in the 1500 block of Pine Avenue at about 10:26 p.m.

Williamson was shot and robbed of roughly $500,000 cash and several pounds of marijuana, authorities charge. The victim delivered marijuana from growers in Chico to medical dispensaries throughout Los Angeles County.

Due to the alleged robbery, a special circumstance allegation has been filed, though prosecutors haven't yet determined if they will seek the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole, said Deputy District Attorney Mia Wood.

The special circumstance allegation prompted Marcel Mackabee's original defense attorney to step down Tuesday. A member of the Public Defender's Office was appointed to represent him at a hearing held Wednesday. The defendant is scheduled to return to the Long Beach Superior Court on May 10, for a pre-trial hearing.